On the Road

Traveling exhibits bring history to life across the country

As a national organization, the National Museum of Forest Service History works with Forest Service Visitors Centers, historic sites and communities to share the knowledge and innovations gained from our national forests in the past.

Minerals We Use Every Day: Mined from our National Forests

Why is there silver in your boots? The silver nanoparticles that coat the synthetic yarns of your boots were added to reduce the growth of bacteria and fungi – and to keep them from smelling. That silver could be from Tongass National Forest, one of five National Forests where silver is mined.

This traveling exhibit interprets the historical relationship between the mining industry and the Forest Service. Interpretive panels demonstrate how minerals used in everyday objects improve our quality of life, tell the history of natural resource management in America and explain the role that Forest Service scientists play in conservation.

Host this exhibit in your area!

Mt. Baker Ranger District Interpretive Display

Museum volunteer Dale Petersen organized and led a group of Bellingham, Washington area volunteers to plan and produce a large display illustrating the cultural, physical and historical points of interest for the Mt. Baker Ranger District in northwestern Washington State.

The display design includes colorful photographs and information on area history, the Mt. Baker Volcano, area geology and recreational opportunities. Partners in the project are Mt. Baker Ranger District, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Mt. Baker Ski Area, Whatcom Event and the Discover Your Northwest Interpretive Association.

The display is currently on view at the Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism Office at I-5 exit 253, which is open daily from 9 to 5.

1907 Big Blackfoot Milling Company Timber Sale Exhibit

Working with the Seeley Lake Historical Museum, we completed an exhibit on the 50 million board feet 1907 Big Blackfoot Milling Company timber sale at Seeley Lake, Montana. The National Museum of Forest Service History’s historical archival information and artifacts were used to develop the exhibit, including historical photographs and documents.

Exhibit topics include Jim Girard, pioneer Forest Service timber cruiser, Forest Service timber sale procedures, and transportation of the logs by river drives to the Bonner, Montana sawmill. The NMFSH received a Montana Cultural Trust Grant to create the exhibit.

Beartooth Highway Exhibit

The Beartooth Highway was constructed in the 1930s from Red Lodge, Montana to Yellowstone National Park, and spans the Custer, Gallatin and Shoshone National Forests in Montana and Wyoming. The spectacular scenic view attracts thousands of tourists.

Dale Petersen, an NMFSH volunteer, and his committee researched and developed an interpretive display with historical information about the road and the mountainous area. The NMFSH offers the display to groups and businesses along the highway in Montana and Wyoming. This effort can be a prototype of what can be done on site-specific history around the country.

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